my soulmate.

Happy 46th Birthday Singapore!

As usual, the NDP in AMKSS was held yesterday (the day before the actual National day). Though i wouldn't say that i've helped out much for this year's parade but i did my best. At least i went back for 7 trainings (2 weeks in a row) and did more than what i expected to do.
So, i don't really feel that guilty anymore.
Anyway that's not the main point of this post.
The thing i want to point out for today's post is the comparison between last time NDP and the NDP over these few recent years.

Do you know in the past, when i was still a sec 1/sec 2 cadet, the trainings were definitely much tougher than now? The breaks given were like 3 to 5 mins/maximum 10 mins break after a few rounds of rehearsals but what about now? There is a 5 mins break after every round of rehearsal and when the weather is hot, 15 mins break. Nowadays we really look into the cadets' welfare. It's not wrong but personally i would think that both their welfare and performance are equally important.
Let's make another comparison again.

Do you know that last time, right after the NDP, we'll be scolded by our NCOs be it whether we did well or we made a slight mistake during the parade? The scoldings were damn harsh and we'll all end up crying after the parade. You'll be left thinking that you really didn't do well even if you've already done your best. And now, no matter how good or bad the cadets performed, we'll gave them generous compliments. We definitely claimed that it's a good job, a job well done and do cheers to celebrate after the parade. I'm not trying to say that we should be stingy with our compliments or we should follow that tradition (what our seniors did) but ultimately, do they really deserve the compliments? Did they even reflect on their own performance after the parade or left thinking that it was really a perfect job? What i've gotten from them are only complaints during the trainings. Yup, and to think of it, they even dare to complain to their VI.

In the past, we don't even dare to utter a word, what more to complain to our NCOs.
All in all, it's quite a drastic change right? From years of tears to years of cheers.

But still, i would say everyone deserve a compliment and a pat on their back for thier effort to come for trainings and the improvements they made throughout the trainings. They can do it but it's whether they want to do it or not.
However, i really can't feel much of the pride anymore. Although there is some when they are marching in cause their friends were all cheering for them. I can see that on their faces but the pride is not a moment kind of thing. It should be there throughout the all the trainings and the whole parade. I would say, that is what they actually lacked of.
Anyway, enjoy your public holiday. Have a good break and for my Red Cross cadets, be prepared to start another round of intensive trainings for FDC 2011. Jiayou alright! Though your VIs won't be there this time round but you must not slack of and prove to us that you can do it without us. Our heart will always unite as one. We might not be there physically but our heart will always be there with you. We'll alwyas be there supporting you. Do your best and make yourself proud.

Lastly, jiayou for the Red Cross contingent for this evening! Enjoy the last parade! Trust me, it will really be a fantastic and awesome experience for you.
All good things will come to an end. Savour the moment till the last.